Real adoption impact measure of rice production using SRI methodology in Odisha

Abstract

The farmers are convinced by systematic rice intensification (SRI) procedure of rice cultivation as a proven method of rice cultivation, but they cannot afford to follow all the recommended practices of SRI due to several constraints faced by them. This paper aims at utilizing the degree of deviations observed in farmers’ practices from the recommended practices of SRI in estimating the impact of SRI on the yield of rice using real adoption impact measure (RAI). RAI of SRI on the yield of rice for a particular farmer was calculated on the basis of his degree of deviations observed between the recommended practices and the actual practices followed by the farmer. There is a significant positive relationship between the actual yield and RAI. The expected yield was estimated for a given level of adoption of a farmer using the fitted regression equation of observed yield on RAI. The insignificant difference between the expected and observed yield gap for SRI was observed, which establishes that there exist a linear relationship of adoption of recommended practices with the yield of crop. There is around 20% reduction in yield compared to the SRI average yield in Odisha (5.5t/ha), due to non-adherence to complete set of recommended SRI practices. Naturally, a scope to enhance the rice yield by increasing the level of adoption of the recommended practices of SRI, which is possible through intensive technical support and timely supply of critical inputs.